Discover Villars-Burquin

Marked hiking trails, the Tévenon Arboretum, the village church and regional cheese products offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Villars-Burquin. The trails range from a walk of about 30 minutes to an easy hike lasting around 1 hour 45 minutes. There is also a publicly accessible place to take a break and a cheese shop. When planning, you can give different weight to nature, local history and food.

Hiking trails and arboretum

Villars-Burquin has a network of marked hiking trails. These include the Chemin des crêtes du Jura, which connects with long-distance hiking trails. The Sentier Tévenol starts in the village. It is an easy 6.4-kilometre hike that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Eleven information panels cover nature and the four villages of the municipality of Tévenon. Along the route, you may spot around ten bird species; the number can vary by season. Check the latest trail conditions before setting out.

The loop around the Tévenon Arboretum is considerably shorter, at 0.65 kilometres and about 30 minutes; it is also rated easy. This gives you a choice between a short loop and a longer hike, with different time commitments. The arboretum is located below Villars-Burquin and contains a collection of native forest tree species. The loop offers views of Lake Neuchâtel.

A barefoot trail also runs through the arboretum to a forest sofa, where you can picnic or barbecue. The trail is open from May to September. Seasonal maintenance may be needed for the facilities, so check the current situation before visiting.

Landscape and place to take a break

Villars-Burquin lies on the southern slope of the Jura at an altitude of about 750 metres, around 300 metres above the level of Lake Neuchâtel.

The Ancienne Cabane des Cantonniers is available to the public. Inside, there is a wood-burning stove, a table and a bench where you can take shelter while resting. There is also a table and bench outside, where you can enjoy the landscape. The cabin is open year-round and is not locked. If you plan to visit in winter, check access conditions in advance.

Church and local history

At the western edge of the village stands the Église de Villars-Burquin, a stone monument. The church was built under the direction of the architect Isoz and inaugurated in October 1895.

The earliest documented records of the name Villars-Burquin date from 1403. A parish was established in the village in 1897, covering four municipalities then located in the Pied-de-la-Côte. The name’s history, the church’s construction and the parish’s founding offer different insights into the history of the village.

Cheese and local cuisine

The Fromagerie de Villars-Burquin processes milk from ten nearby farms. It makes Gruyère AOP in mild, semi-salty and strong varieties. Its soft cheese specialities include Brie, Briquette, Sanglé and Tartelette des Patrons; the cheese dairy makes around 15 varieties of soft cheese in total. The selection also includes around 30 different flavours, which change with the seasons.

The shop is located at Route de Romairon 2, CH-1423 Villars-Burquin (VD). It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:15 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 8:00 am to 12:15 pm and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Check the opening hours before your visit.

The cheese dairy organises events such as tastings and guided tours. As these visits may depend on the current programme, check dates in advance. Café-Restaurant Vitoria serves local and Portuguese dishes based on traditional recipes. The menu and availability may change; check the current selection if you are planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Le Sentier, Donneloye, Champvent, Vuiteboeuf, Le Lieu, L'abbaye, Le Chenit, La Praz.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.